About the Company
Escape Recruitment is supporting the appointment of a Managing Director to lead the UK operations of an international engineering services organisation. This is a true P&L leadership role, responsible for setting direction, strengthening operational performance and building a profitable, scalable UK business within a growing international group. The organisation operates across multiple European markets, and the UK business is entering a new phase focused on improving commercial discipline, operational performance and sustainable growth.
About the Role
As Managing Director you will take full responsibility for the UK operation, leading a nationwide field-based organisation delivering contract-led engineering services. You will lead an experienced senior management team across core business functions including: Operations, Supply Chain, Health & Safety, Finance, HR and Business Development. Working closely with the wider international leadership team, you will translate strategic priorities into practical execution while strengthening governance, reporting and operational performance across the UK business. The focus of the role is to bring structure, clarity and momentum to the organisation while restoring profitability and positioning the UK operation for long-term growth.
Responsibilities
* Lead the UK business with full accountability for strategy, performance and profitability
* Provide clear leadership to the senior management team, aligning operational, commercial and support functions
* Strengthen commercial discipline across service contracts, ensuring pricing, scope and delivery models support profitable delivery
* Embed a KPI-driven performance culture, strengthening reporting across safety, service delivery and operational performance
* Support business development activity including bid/no-bid decisions, contract negotiation and strategic customer engagement
* Ensure safe, efficient delivery across operations in a regulated technical environment
* Act as a key interface between the UK business and the wider group leadership team
Required Skills
* Senior leadership experience (Managing Director, General Manager, Operations Director or similar)
* Full P&L responsibility within a service or operational business
* Experience leading large technical teams
* Strong commercial capability in contract-led service environments
* A track record of improving performance, strengthening governance and delivering organisational change
* A collaborative leadership style with the ability to align teams behind clear priorities and measurable outcomes
* Experience within regulated or safety-critical industries would be advantageous.
We are seeking a senior leader with experience running complex, technical organisations. Candidates may come from sectors such as: Manufacturing, Engineering services, Utilities, Industrial services, Contract-led technical service environments.
This is an opportunity to step into a true Managing Director role, leading a UK-wide technical services organisation at a pivotal stage in its development. You will inherit a capable leadership team and play a key role in strengthening the structure, performance and commercial success of the business while supporting the wider international organisation. The role is based in Central Scotland with hybrid working, typically three days on site.
We are seeking a senior leader with experience running complex, technical organisations. Candidates may come from sectors such as: Manufacturing, Engineering services, Utilities, Industrial services, Contract-led technical service environments.
If you would like to discuss the opportunity confidentially, please apply or contact me directly.